Sustainable party ideas

We all want to throw a great party for our little ones, but it can come with some guilt when trying to lead eco lives. Sustainability isn’t usually at the forefront of a one or two year old’s birthday party, but planning can help your party’s eco-credentials.

Digital invitations

Before the party begins, why not send a digital invitation rather than a physical one? Design tools like Canva make this super easy, even on their free plan. Plus it saves on paper, ink and any glitter or other design features that can make it hard to recycle.

Hire instead of buying new

Why buy everything new when you can hire? Hiring soft play, ride ons or bouncy castles is not only better for the planet, but also normally cheaper than buying new. Soft play hire companies even set them up for you to save you hassle on the day.

Reusable crockery and cutlery

Use what you already have – your everyday plates, mugs and glasses will work just as well to serve food and drinks with. Often party venues will have crockery included in your hire too. If you can’t use your own crockery or borrow enough from others (or just don’t fancy washing up!) then there are many event companies that will hire out crockery, cutlery and even tables and chairs.

Use compostable crockery and cutlery

If using what you have isn’t an option, try using compostable crockery and cutlery for your toddler’s birthday celebrations. There are many brands out there, some of which can be popped on your home compost and others that go in your food recycling bin to be professionally composted at higher temperatures.

Forgo the balloon arch

You don’t need a balloon arch to celebrate your little one’s birthday. The amount of plastic wasted for something that will only be up for a couple of hours is a unnecessary hit to landfill. Extra bonus is to not use balloons or helium at all – Helium supplies are at their lowest ever on Earth so steering clear is good for the planet too. Borrow some bunting, paint a sign with your toddler on brown paper, re-use last year’s decorations.

Buy second hand

Why not find decorations, cups for a toddlers tea party or xxxxx in a charity shop or on Vinted? You could even support charities like Oxfam who support women and girls to work in good conditions by making decorations like bunting made from saris!

Forgo the party bags

Most items in a party bag are made from virgin plastic or give the children a sugar high for the journey home. Instead, why not buy a number of children’s books – places like The Works often have great deals, or even better, try to source some from your local charity shops.